There aren’t many things that I enjoy as much as that first cup of coffee in the morning. It’s simply great to be able to wake up to the smell of coffee brewing and to hover over that first steaming cup and let the scent slowly open your eyes for you. It’s like heaven on earth, and there aren’t really many words that can describe it. If you feel similar to that wake up cup of coffee as I do then you will love what I am about to tell you. Because every month I get great coffee delivered right to my door. It not only keeps me in full supply of coffee, but when I have extra it’s a great thing that I give to friends and family that share my love of coffee.

Many people buy their coffee grounds at the grocery store, and for years I did the same thing. But when you get the taste of some really great coffee and then you realize that the coffee that you have been waking up to in the mornings is less than appealing in comparison you start to wonder how you can fix that situation. I have been getting coffee from Belmondo for a while and all I can say is that I love the taste. The secret is really in how they prepare the beans, and how the roast them. They know their stuff when it comes to choosing the proper beans and then preparing them right. Of course you need the proper brewing equipment to have a superior cup of coffee.

Tim is an avid coffee lover and enjoys a great cup of java while writing articles

Artisian Roasted Coffees and a Free Offer at http://www.snagafreebie.info/cafebelmondo.html

Are you searching for that perfect cup of coffee? There are many different ways of brewing a great cup of coffee but the basics remain the same no matter how simple or complicated you make the brewing process. It all starts with great coffee beans. If this step is overlooked then anything else you do will not have a lot of effect.

Once you have that perfect blend of beans you need to put these in a clean pot. A dirty coffee pot has been known to make your drink taste bitter. Using bottled or filtered water should give your coffee that taste you are looking for. For that perfect cup you need to get the amount of coffee just right and you will be well on your way to a wonderful drink. This article will look at a few of the things you need to think about to get that perfect brew time after time.

If you want to brew perfect coffee you need good coffee beans. For the best results it is wise to grind them just before roasting. You may think it is too much trouble to grind your own coffee beans but once you experience the fresh taste they provide you might just change your mind. If you decide grinding your own beans is too much work at least use one of the fine grades of ground coffee. All of this work of grinding your own coffee will go to waste if you do not have a clean pot to brew in.

A clean pot is essential if you want great tasting coffee. Residue from previous use can leave your coffee tasting bitter. Some people have been known to use vinegar or baking soda to clean the coffee pot. Whatever you use you need to clean on a regular basis. This can make a big difference in the taste of your coffee. Once you coffee pot is clean you can help keep it that way by using clean bottled or filtered water to make your coffee.

Since coffee is mostly water it makes sense to use the best quality water you can. Try to use water that does not have chlorine or excessive minerals added for the best taste. If the water in your house tastes ok it may be fine to use but for the best results you would be wise to try tap water and then try bottled or filtered water and see what tastes the best.

Add your coffee to the pot and you will be well on your way to enjoying your home brewed drink. I would start with 2 tablespoons of coffee for each 6 ounces of water. This can be adjusted as you get more experience making coffee. Each individual may want to change this slightly to adjust for each persons taste preference.

Pour a cup right away to enjoy the full rich flavor of your coffee. Once you get the hang of brewing a great cup of coffee following these simple steps you will be well on your way to that perfect cup of coffee.

For more information on choosing the the best espresso coffee beans try visiting http://www.coffeebean101.com, a website that specializes in providing espresso and coffee tips, advice and resources.

Coffee warmers come in two varieties - commercial, and for home use, and these are usually quite distinguishable by the price tag. However, this line is increasingly being blurred by coffee enthusiasts who have the money and want to replicate the cafe experience in the comfort of their own home. There are warmers that will warm your pot of coffee, and those that will just warm the cup. Some of the cup warmers are designed to be used before the coffee is poured into the cup, others to keep the cup warm whilst you drink it. This article will describe some of the different options available, who they are designed for, and why.

Coffee warmers that warm the whole pot are like the plates that the glass coffee decanter sits on in the brewers. Generally, most homes will not need this if they have a brewer, unless they have a lot of parties where they want the coffee sitting on the table and kept warm for guests. But it could be good for offices, and of course, cafes and restaurants. However, some people who drink a lot of coffee may find this useful to keep a second pot warm. They come in single or double warmers, so it’s perfect for those households that have different preferences - perhaps decaf and regular, or flavored varieties and regular. Overall, these are inexpensive items, so worthwhile if you do entertain a lot.

Cup warmers are generally geared to the home market, though there are some important exceptions. There are larger scale warmers that will heat 24 or so cups at a time, and the price tag for these is quite a bit higher. At first glance, these seem like a ridiculous proposition, especially with the price tag. However, they do have an important commercial function. To understand this, knowing a little bit of insider barista information helps.

The nature of the aroma and taste of coffee is such that the temperature of the cups it is served in is important, just as is the temperature at which it is brewed. If you’re fortunate enough to find truly good cafes, serving espresso, lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos, you’ll know the difference. I’m afraid Starbucks, Gloria Jean’s and those chains don’t count! And for American style coffee, these differences don’t amount to much.

Cafes keep their cups on the hot coffee maker for good reason. Preparing coffee in a cold cup causes it to lose its’ flavor. The crema on the top - crema that is part of the coffee, not relating to the milk foam that is placed on cappuccinos - traps the aromatic molecules in the freshly prepared coffee, and it is these molecules that form part of its’ flavor. A cold cup causes the crema to disintegrate, and the result is a slightly bitter coffee. Even a temperature drop of half a degree or less can do this.

These differences are most pronounced for those drinking espresso style coffee - that is, without any milk. But as a milk drinker (soy actually), I can vouch for a noticeable difference in taste in flat whites I’ve had.

However, these issues usually don’t concern home customers. Aficionados will warm their cups with hot water before serving coffee in them. Commercial coffee cup warmers are too expensive, unless perhaps you want to impress your friends!

The most popular type of coffee warmer most consumers are concerned with are those that keep a cup warm whilst you drink it. These are like smaller versions of the warmers used in catering that keep the glass carafes warm. They serve to keep coffee at a regular temperature, without burning it. And they are quite versatile. They can be used for soups, tea, and hot chocolate as well. Actually, as a tea lover, I think it’s not a bad idea…

As tempting as the commercial coffee products are, unless you’re committed to the whole set-up - including a professional coffee maker and grinder - they usually aren’t worth it for home use. However, one cup coffee warmers are quite inexpensive, and can be a great solution for those that drink a lot of coffee - or those who drink it at a more leisurely pace. They are also great for work, when interruptions can mean you don’t get back to your coffee until it is usually cold.

If you’d like to read more about coffee, such as this article on flavored coffee syrups, click here.

In the world of one cup coffee makers, there are two major competing formats.

Coffee makers made by Keurig use K-Cups.

Machines made by Senseo and other manufacturers use coffee pods, which look like round, plump tea bags.

K-Cups and coffee pods contain just the right amount of ground coffee to make a single cup of coffee.

And that’s the attraction of single serve brewers. Just add a K-Cup or coffee pod in the holder provided, close the lid, press a button…and presto, you get a fresh cup of gourmet coffee.

No coffee beans to grind. No messy filers to clean up.

Both systems deliver what coffee lovers want – great gourmet coffee, without the fuss and cleanup associated with traditional grinders and brewers.

But which is the best system? Brewers which use K-Cups? Or brewers that use coffee pods?

Both formats have their advantages.

K-Cups are full sealed for freshness and need no additional packaging. While coffee pods need to be individually packaged to keep them fresh.

K-Cups can literally be dropped into the holder in the brewer. While coffee pods have to be placed carefully in the holder, to avoiding leakage during brewing.

K-Cups come out of the brewer dry, clean and ready for the garbage bin. Coffee pods are wet and hot, just like a used tea bag.

K-Cups are more expensive to buy than coffee pods. And there is a wider variety of coffees to choose from in the coffee pod format.

In other words, both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.

And they both deliver a great cup of coffee.

At the end of the day, you may make your choice based as much on the brewer as you do on the format.

Do you like the look and features of the Keurig one cup brewers? Or do you prefer the design and feel of a coffee pod brewer, like the Senseo?

Whatever choice you make, be sure to spend some time researching the various options before you buy.

Nicholas H. Usborne is the editor of OneCupCoffeeReviews.com. One Cup Coffee Reviews explores the world of single cup coffee making and delivers objective advice on the various brewers and coffees available.

Looking for something different than your ordinary cup of coffee? You can make your own gourmet coffee, and you can be on your way with just a few ingredients.

There are two different ways to get this accomplished: by adding flavored syrups or by using natural ingredients. In the case of flavored syrups, there are a few general rules to bear in mind. Most flavored syrups are flavored with cane sugar which is generally sweeter that other flavorings that may be used such as fructose or corn syrup. Read the label contents and purchase according to your personal preference. Another thing to be aware of is that some syrups are preservative free. While the flavor may be more intense with these syrups, the shelf life will be shorter than other syrups that use preservatives.

Less is more in the case of flavored syrups- before you pour the coffee adding just a small amount of syrup to the bottom of the cup. More can always be added according to your personal taste. There are many syrups available: Almond, Vanilla and Hazelnut are some common ones, but then there are other interesting flavors such as Macadamia Nut , Crème de Banana, or Black Currant.

Adding natural flavorings is a great way to make your own flavored coffee without adding any extra calories. Adding a whole vanilla bean to your canister of coffee or adding a cinnamon stick can add a new dimension of flavor to your everyday cup of coffee. You could also add these flavorings in powdered form as well to your coffee before you brew if you didn’t want to flavor all of your coffee at once. Try adding a citrus peel such as lemon or orange for a different twist. Adding a bit of liqueur such as Irish Crème or Amaretto can be a wonderful surprise to your guests at the end of a wonderful meal.

These are just a few suggestions- get out there and experiment. Mix and match your flavors- try some caramel syrup with some vanilla flavored coffee. Almond syrup with a dash of Irish Crème added Cinnamon coffee with a twist of orange. The combinations and flavor variations are endless. Happy brewing!

Possessing a variety of talents and experience, Tom Lykes has a keen interest in food, music and coffee.

There’s nothing better than a good cup of coffee to start the day off right. Well versed in the ways of the noble coffee bean, more info can be found here Coffee Break

So what is Columbian coffee really all about? The following guide includes some delicious recipes about Columbian coffee–information you can use now!

Coffee is one of America’s favorite beverages and becomes more popular as the years go by. So naturally you would be able to find different methods of preparing Columbian coffee. You can make all sorts of tasty treats with this aromatic drink.
Below are some of the most popular recipes that are highly used today in some of the most popular coffee houses across the world. Now you can save money by making these Columbian coffee recipes come to life in your very own kitchen. Friends and family alike will be amazed at just how delicious your coffee treats taste.

100% Iced Columbian Coffee

Double strength Columbian coffee
Cracked Ice
4 tablespoons of sugar

Brew double strength Columbian coffee by simply adding 8 tablespoons of ground coffee to every 12 ounces of water. Fill your electric blender half way with your chilled Columbian coffee and add the cracked ice. Add the 4 tablespoons of sugar or sweetener and blend until you have a thick foamy coffee treat.

This recipe will give you approximately 4 servings, if you need more than that simply double or triple the recipe to suit your needs. This will became a fast favorite for the Columbian coffee lovers in your life.

Columbian Coffee Mousse

½ a cup of brewed 100% Columbian coffee
1 ¾ cups of milk
1 cup of heavy cream
1 package of unflavored gelatin
3 eggs; separated
¾ cup of brown sugar
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coffee concentrates (1 cup ground to every 8 ounces of cold water)

Sprinkle the gelatin over a cup of cold water and let it soften while preparing the custard.
Heat milk to its boiling point in a saucepan. Beat egg yolks using a wire whisk or electric mixer. Pour the hot milk over beaten egg yolks slowly, beating constantly with wire whisk. Return mixture to saucepan, add brown sugar, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until custard has thickened slightly, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and add gelatin to the hot custard and stir until dissolved. Add coffee concentrate, vanilla and almond extracts.

1. Transfer mixture to a bowl and refrigerate. Keep refrigerated and stir every five minutes until custard has thickened to the consistency of unbeaten egg whites, approximately 25-45 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, whip the cream until it softens and refrigerate.

3. Beat egg whites until they are stiff but not dry. Fold coffee custard base into egg whites. Gently fold in whipped cream. Pour mixture into 8 individual custard cups and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.

When you have finished, you will have created a delicious surprise for all to enjoy.

These recipes are by no means exhaustive but just a few of some of the worlds most popular Columbian coffee recipes. With just a little creativity and imagination you can take these recipes on Columbian coffee and develop many more! Enjoy.

Roland Jefferson is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, CA. He’s committed to bringing the online community the information it needs most. For up to date information and much more for coffee enthusiast, please visit: http://www.coffeehangout.info

The following paragraphs summarize the work of the history of coffee experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of coffee history.

Of the drinks available to people today, few are as famous as coffee. Perhaps the best source of caffeine short of the new energy drinks being developed, coffee is popular in a variety of places, from the home to the office, from small coffeehouses to swanky restaurants.

The history of coffee can only be tracked a little more than a thousand years, a relatively short period of time compared to alcoholic beverages, which have been consumed since prehistory, and tea, which goes back to over a thousand years BC. Despite this, coffee has spread throughout the world as a popular beverage. A look at the history of coffee will help to show how it became so widespread.

African Origins

The history of coffee begins sometime around the 9th century, with its origins in Ethiopia as a beverage. The legend of coffee is that Ethiopian herders noticed that their goats were especially perky after eating the berries of a particular bush, and thus got the idea to consume it as a stimulant. The reality is that coffee probably had already been developed as a drink by the 9th century as a natural result of cultivation of plants. From Ethiopia, the drink spread to North Africa, including Egypt.

Middle Eastern Success

The introduction of coffee to Egypt make it accessible to ports with trade to the rest of the Middle East, where coffee became a popular drink by the 1500s. Shortly after its introduction, Muslim authorities placed a ban on the drink due to its stimulant properties. But much like prohibition in the United States, the ban on coffee didn’t last and was later rescinded. At this point in history, though, tight controls on such a commodity were in place. Though coffee in its roasted form began to be exported to Italy and other European Nations, unroasted seeds and plants were forbidden to be exported.

Colonization and Coffee

This tight control over the export of coffee plants didn’t last. This period of the history of coffee ended when Dutch traders smuggled coffee seeds out of the Middle East in the 1600s, where it was planted on the island of Java, which is still a major exporter of coffee today and also shares its name with a nickname for the drink. Interestingly enough, as coffee plants spread to other European colonies, another century into the history of coffee, in the 1700s, the plant was smuggled to Brazil, which is still the largest exporter of the drink.

Coffee in America

The history of coffee in the United States follows that of early wars. Introduced there in the 1700s, coffee’s popularity didn’t take off until the Revolutionary War, when tea was scarce and colonists turned to other drinks. The drink again gained in popularity during the war of 1812 for similar reasons.

But the time when the history of coffee developed to where it was an American fixture seems to be during the Civil War, when demand was high enough that it became cemented as a beverage in many American households. Through colonization and wars, the history of coffee seems to follow that of the history of people, and its widespread popularity throughout the world shows that it is truly an international sensation.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of the history of coffee. Share your new understanding about the exciting history of coffee with others. They’ll thank you for it.

Roland Jefferson is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, CA. He’s committed to bringing the online community the information it needs most. For up to date information and much more for coffee enthusiast, please visit: http://www.coffeehangout.info

David Letterman told Esquire in an interview, “If it wasn’t for coffee, I’d have no discernible personality at all”. I dare say that this is a belief held by millions of people across the globe as they exist daily with their caffeine dependencies. On the popularity scale, coffee holds the title for the world’s most popular beverage with a grand total of 400 billion cups consumed each year. That could potentially be a large number of caffeine dependencies.

Is David Letterman really serious when he says that his personality is a derivative of caffeine? Studies show that low doses of caffeine (up to 200 mg) alone can create positive mood effects such as increased well-being, happiness, energetic arousal, alertness and sociability. That means that we would all have great personalities if we stuck to two cups or less of coffee a day. But many coffee drinkers would have to confess that they typically consume two cups or more a day and studies show that higher doses of caffeine, (200 mg or greater) may produce negative impacts including increased anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness and upset stomach. Remember also that the affects of caffeine can also vary from person to person depending on their body weight, sensitivity, and any tolerance a person has built up toward caffeine..

Caffeine doesn’t only hide in coffee. Although 75% of caffeine intake does come from coffee, it can also be derived from other sources as well. This stimulant that we call caffeine is found naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, and chocolate but is also a popular added ingredient in carbonated beverages and some over-the-counter medications. Surprisingly enough, compared to an 8 ounce cup of coffee that has on average 100 mg of caffeine, a carbonated beverage such as Mountain Dew contains a whopping 55 mg of caffeine. So, you see sources of too much caffeine are not limited to only coffee alone.

With caffeine presenting itself in so many different foods and medications, it’s difficult to say that we will just avoid it altogether. So the important question would be, “How much is too much”. The American Heart Association states that one to two cups of fresh steaming coffee a day does not seem to be harmful for most people. This would mean 200 mg or less of caffeine intake. It’s significant to note that, although caffeine receives a lot of bad press, those that consume moderate amounts, as suggested, can receive certain health benefits as well. These health benefits come from antioxidants and other substances which help regulate blood sugar, prevent gallstones and reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

If you are passionate about your coffee and feel that you can’t live with only two cups of java a day, it is vital that you make yourself aware of the risks that are associated with increased caffeine intake. Studies that I have looked into explain that an increased level of caffeine can speed bone loss, increase heart risk and might reduce birth weight if too much caffeine is consumed during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant should drink no more than two cups of caffeinate coffee per day and postmenopausal women should also stick to these limits..

The studies on the risks (and benefits) of caffeine intake are ongoing, but quite simply put, the buzz on caffeine is that it makes you feel alert and pumps adrenaline to give you energy. Grab yourself a cappuccino and voila, you now have the caffeine buzz.

Jacquie Cattanach offers advice, opinions and helpful hints on choosing and buying anything to do with fresh roasted coffee, from Fair Trade coffee to automatic coffee makers

The process of roasting coffee beans is what brings out the flavor of the coffee and develops the characteristics of the coffee. When roasting coffee beans, they are roasted in order to bring the coffee to a perfect balance of acidity with just the right sweetness. A light bodied, sweet coffee is normally roasted lighter than the full bodied coffee with the chocolaty tastes.

As the coffee beans are in the roasting process, there are chemical and physical changes to the coffee. Some changes include the expansion of the coffee beans, loss of moisture, caramelizing and of course a change in the color of the coffee. Once the beans start losing moisture and expand, they will make a popping sound, which in the coffee industry is known as crack.

Two types of roasting coffee are Art, the second is Science. One other type of roasting coffee is a combination of both art and science.

Art roasting is where the roast master relies on sound, sight and smell of the coffee to determine when the coffee beans are roasted to perfection. It takes many years of experience to achieve a level of master coffee roaster.

Science roasting is based on scientific data. The roast master takes data including temperature and time to determine the degree of roasting to gain the same color with each batch of roasted coffee beans. A combination of both art and science are used where coffee is produced in mass.

Another step in roasting coffee beans to achieve a perfect blend of coffee is the “cupping” process. This is where the coffee is tasted in similar fashion to tasting wine. When the roasted coffee bean is cupped, samples are pulled from the process and measured into several different cups. Each cup of coffee beans are ground separately and boiling water is poured over the freshly ground coffee beans. When the coffee grounds rise to the top of the cup they trap the aroma in the cup. The cupper will then scrape away the coffee grounds and smell the coffee aroma. The coffee is then tasted and rated on all the characteristics including flavor, acidity, aroma, body and any taste defects.

There are basically three levels of roasting coffee beans. They are light roast, generally used in a milder coffee and many times sweet coffees. Medium Roast is one of the most common roasting levels of roasting coffee beans. Most of the medium roasted coffees are done when they reach their second crack. And lastly there is the dark roast. This is the level of roasting coffee beans well beyond the second crack and will appear oily on the surface. This gives the coffee a very full bodied and strong flavor.

For you the coffee drinker, you have many choices when it comes to roasted coffee beans. The best way to tell which coffee is right for you is to sample many different types of coffee.

http://www.infoesource.com/roastingcoffee.html

Ocha has been in sales and sales management for over 24 years. He is currently in marketing and support in the distribution industry. He also manages several websites and blogs.
http://www.morningcoffeecup.blogspot.com
http://www.infoworthsharing.com

Gone are the days when we had to rely on kettles to boil our water and make a cup of instant. For a greater tasting coffee, you had to head down to your local cafe for a touch of gourmet. Not anymore. Welcome to the 21st century and the establishment of the espresso coffee maker.

Once considered somewhat of a luxury item, the espresso coffee maker has made the leap from manually operated to super automatic over the past few years in great leaps and bounds. For the home maker, it means you can not only produce cafe style “a cup of joe” at home but you can make it in super quick time.

The Different Espresso Coffee Maker Models

I have a close friend who has owned a manually operated espresso coffee maker for ten years and when he first bought the machine, it was a big deal. Now, I almost cringe when he asks me if I want a cup of coffee because to me, it just takes so long. I often remark…”when are you going to join the real world and get a real coffee maker?”

The truth is, my friend is a light drinker of coffee, he likes to be in control of the end product and actually enjoys playing barista and making the coffee. Manual machines are great for just these reasons. Price wise, they can get expensive with some models fetching over a thousand dollars but you don’t have to pay that much to get a good machine, generally only a couple of hundred dollars. So in the end, the choice is yours if you are searching for your first machine.

Semi-Automatic

The semi-automatic models give you the best of both worlds combining both user control and automatic features. They vary quite a bit in price ranging from under $100 to well over $1000. Most models require the user to start and finish however, some more advanced machines allow the operator to program the quantiy of espresso required. They are suited to heavier drinkers and for those people who tend to entertain a little although the super automatic machines are better suited to the latter option.

Fully Or Super Automatic

These are the “rolls royce” versions of espresso coffee makers. Be prepared to part with a good deal of the “green stuff” to purchase one but they are worth every cent, particularly if you are the type of person who needs coffee “drip fed” on a regular basis. Prices can start from as low as $300-$400 however, the top machines can set you back anywhere from $3000-$4000.

It’s hard to mess up a cup of coffee with the super automatic; it grinds the beans, tamps the grounds, spews out a shot of espresso and even separates the unwanted waste. What more could you ask for. But it doesn’t stop there as the features are numerous including digital display, automatic steaming and frothing, programmable buttons allowing you to determine strength, volume, small, medium or large cup and temperature. A coffee lovers dream!

Don’t Throw Tour Money Away!

It’s so vital you don’t throw money away on an espresso coffee maker if it doesn’t suit your lifestyle. Paying $4000 for a super automatic sounds crazy if you drink one cup of coffee a day. A manual machine may be more to your liking. The same applies to a heavy drinker who has the budget to buy a semi or fully automatic machine.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster who has a passion for all things coffee. Great tips and tricks in buying an espresso coffee maker!Get them today plus, get all the latest coffee related news and information at:http://www.coffeemakerheaven.com